Types of Hobs
A hob, also referred to as a stovetop in North America, is a cooking device that heats pans using flames or electricity. There are several different types of hobs, so you can pick one that fits your style and kitchen.
Induction hobs feature an elongated ceramic cooking surface and come with four or five zones for heating your pans. Modern touch-operated designs are sleek and fashionable, and are easy to clean.
Ceramic hobs
Ceramic hobs can give your kitchen a sleek, modern look. They have a flat glass-ceramic surface that is easy to clean, meaning spills and splatters are quickly wiped away. They also heat up quickly and are energy efficient which helps lower your electric bill. However, one drawback of ceramic hobs is that they tend to be slow in changing temperature settings, which can be frustrating when cooking food that requires an instant reduction or increase in heat.
Electric hobs utilize a solid plate that is heated by electric elements underneath. The power of each element can be individually adjusted via rotating knobs. You can use the Boost feature to raise the temperature of a specific zone. Ceramic hobs are able to hold heat well, so even after they are turned off, they'll be hot to the touch. It is essential to place ceramic hobs in a place that is safe from any flammable objects and away from children's reach.
The benefit of this kind of hob is that it can be put in in a variety of worktops such as laminate or solid wood, as well as granite. It is also relatively affordable and is a great alternative if you're looking to replace your previous hobs without spending too much money. But, as with all appliances, they do need to be properly installed and connected to the mains power supply, so we recommend hiring an electrician professional to ensure your new hobs are safe for use.
This kind of hob is sensitive to pan shapes and sizes. You'll need to buy cookware that is either the exact size as the element or that is able to fit in the heating zones on the hob. If the cookware isn't compatible the element, it will not recognise it and will not begin to heat the base of the pan. This can result in cooking that is uneven and make the stove less efficient.
Gas on glass hobs
Glass hobs made of gas have a sleek and modern look. Although they may cost more than electric models and require professional installation, they typically take less time to heat up. best ovens and hobs 's not unusual for a full pan of water to come to a boil within four minutes or less. This kind of stove is also a good choice for cooks who like to control the amount of heat being generated. Glass hobs are more prone to damage and require frequent cleaning as they tend to build up grease and other residue.
A fantastic example of a glass-on-gas model is this Bertazzoni hob, which has four black monobloc burners with accurate metal control knobs for a a stylish and sophisticated finish. It also comes with the wok ring that has 4kW to increase versatility, and dishwasher-proof pan supports that are easy to clean.
Another highly recommended model is this Bosch gas hob, which is an attractive slab of toughened glass and advanced cooking technology. The dual ring design on the left of the gas hob provides an inner burner that doubles to improve heat distribution and accelerate cooking. It also comes with an indicator for power that lets you control the exact temperature of the flame. You can select from nine preset settings, including the highest setting for sear steaks, and a low one for scrambled egg.
Our test participants also liked the controls, as they were easy to use and intuitive. There are a few minor disadvantages, for instance, you must press the controls nine more times before reaching the maximum temperature and the glass can make it difficult to see what the burners are doing.
Some of the best gas-on-glass hobs can be found at affordable prices, such as this Neff model. While it's unlikely to be a winner of any design awards but it can do the job well and can be a fantastic addition to your kitchen for just over 120 pounds.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are ideal for modern homes. They are not only sleek and stylish, but they are also safer, faster and more efficient than their predecessors.
Ceramic glass hobs are among the most sought-after electric stoves. They're made with a sleek, glazed finish and feature an easy-to-clean surface that is resistant to smudges and scratches. They're also usually fitted with a power boost feature, which allows you to increase the heat of your cooker for a brief period of time.
Induction hobs are another electric hob that is ideal for modern homes. Unlike traditional gas and electric plate hobs, induction hobs utilize electromagnetic fields to directly heat cookware. They are therefore more energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. However they require a particular type of pan to work and can be costly to install.
A gas on glass hob is a different option that is a good option for modern homes. It is equipped with a burner under a flat glass layer, like a traditional gas stove. This glass is heatproof and shatterproof, which makes it easier to clean than tempering glass. A lot of these hobs include a 'hot-surface indicator' that warns you when the hob is heated.
While gas hobs are still an option that is popular with home cooks however, they can be noisy and difficult to clean. They also take a while to cool down and warm down and their flames can be hard to control. However, electric hobs are more energy-efficient and simpler to clean.
You can even find electric stoves that are compatible LPG gas. This allows you to switch between various fuel sources, so you'll have the flexibility to fit your needs. It is important to remember that these hobs will require the installation of an accredited gas safe engineer and will require an appropriate cable of 6mm to be installed in your kitchen. These hobs are not suitable for people with pacemakers as the electromagnetic field could interfere with them.
Induction hobs
Under the glass surface of induction hobs sit copper coils that generate an alternating electrical current. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on the hob the coils generate magnetic fields which heat the pan directly instead of heating a surface of the worktop or heated plate. Induction hobs are very efficient in energy use, since they don't waste any heat.
There are a myriad of models of induction stoves from the basic entry-level ones with a single zone marked by rings to more advanced multi-zoned induction stoves that have up to 6 zones that allow multiple pots to cook simultaneously within a flex area. Certain models come with a slider control that is similar to the iPhone. Simply slide your finger across the power bar located in the middle to select the desired temperature, left to right boosts heat and right-to-left decreases it. Some models even have pre-programmed settings for specific recipes or food types that can help you save time and effort in the kitchen.
Induction hobs do tend to be more expensive than ceramic hobs. However, they are considered to be more energy efficient in the long run since they heat up quicker and have a smaller area for heating up which can help reduce your energy bills. They cool down faster and also have a safer design without hot plates. This makes them a great choice for families with children or elderly residents. However, they can create a magnetic field which could cause interference with medical devices like pacemakers so it is important to place your pans on the burner and avoid using small pans on large burners.
Like all electric hobs, you'll need to keep your electric hob clean regularly since food particles and other debris can accumulate over time. You can use an oven cleaner, or invest in a specialist product to keep your hob clean and in good shape for a longer time. Be sure to not use abrasive cleaners or pads to scour your induction hob since they can scratch the surface.